About Ecuador

A stay in Ecuador’s jungle lodges is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the rainforest’s living attractions. Here are some of the best:

Napo Wildlife Center

This popular ecological reserve owned by the indigenous Anangu community is dubbed as the ultimate alternative luxury eco hotel in Amazonian Ecuador.

Located in the Yasuni National Park at the edge of Anangucocha Lake, Napo Wildlife Center offers maximum privacy and stunning views of the lake and jungle. There are 10 luxury cabanas with private bathrooms. The wealth of flora and fauna is amazing.

Activities include guided tours and parrot clay licks, natural clay walls teeming with squawking parrots and macaws that feed on the walls as a way to combat the toxins found in the seeds they eat.

There’s more information here.

Sani Lodge

This community-run eco lodge is tucked into an oxbow lake in a tributary of Rio Napo. It accommodates 38 guests and opens the door to a truly personal way of experiencing the Amazon forest.

Get to be in the midst of 1,500 species of trees, climbing vines, exotic blooms, tropical birds, monkeys, and butterflies. Stay in a campsite within touching distance of your lodge or cabin. Go bird watching, walk through guided trail hikes, and get to know the Sani community and the indigenous Kichwa people.

Visit their website for more information.

Sacha Lodge

This prime destination for bird watchers covers 5,000 acres of private ecological land.

Lodgings are designed for utmost comfort and offer excellent opportunities to spot wildlife. Don’t be surprised to find capybaras resting on your hammock. Capybaras are giant guinea pig-like rodents who spend their time near lakes and rivers and are sometimes brought home as pets.

Activities include guided tours, bird watching, a visit to one of the largest butterfly farms in Ecuador, and a trip to the 940-foot-long canopy walk hanging 94 feet from the ground.

Visit their website for more information.

If you’d like to start off on an exciting adventure to the Ecuador Amazon Basin, check this out.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Things to Do by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Lentag is a town located less than 350 miles south of Quito. Surrounded by views of refreshing open space, deep valleys, and breathtaking mountain slopes, this quiet little village is a paradise for outdoor lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone looking to relax while breathing in the fresh mountain air.

Although the town is mostly surrounded by nature, it offers plenty of convenience as well. It is less than an hour away by car from Cuenca, and just around four hours away from Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and busiest commercial district. Lentag is also situated close to nearby communities such as Giron, San Fernando, and Santa Isabel Canton.

Rentals in Lentag

Due to its overwhelming abundance of enjoyable outdoor activities and beautiful natural destinations, Lentag has become famous for many tourists from all over the world.

With its breathtaking landscapes and endless wonders to explore, you’ll need a comfortable place where you can rest and refuel, so you can plan your next activities. Luckily, there’s a superb selection of rental options in Lentag to choose from, ranging from cozy 2-bedroom apartment units to rustic ranch-style properties surrounded by acres of space, and nearly everything in between.

The best part is many of the rentals are very affordable, some of them costing as little as $400 a month.

Here are a few examples of properties available for rent in Lentag:

• Fully-furnished single-family homes with 1 to 3-bedrooms, located conveniently close to a great selection of shops, restaurants, and transit hubs.
• Rustic villas with spacious and well-designed interiors, high-speed internet, and panoramic views of lush, rolling landscapes.
• Stylish 4-bedroom homes with features such as hardwood floors, rustic interiors, large bedrooms, and resort-style swimming pools.
• Vacation homes perfectly suited for relaxation, with features such as al fresco dining areas, large kitchens, and sweeping mountain and forest views.
• Large estates surrounded by over two hectares of space and unforgettable views of forested hills and majestic mountains.
• Comfortable 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes on organic farms, perfect for soaking in the lush views and fresh mountain air.

Live the Life Lodge in Lentag

If you’re searching for the perfect accommodation in Lentag, Live the Life has its very own lodge located at KM 54.820 Giron Passage, Lentag.

Our lodge is perfect for short stays or extended vacations for those who want to explore the many beautiful destinations in Lentag. It offers the perfect blend of comfort and privacy, with comfortable bedrooms and first-class features and amenities such as a sauna, a swimming pool with snack bar, a Jacuzzi, a volleyball court, fish ponds, and organic garden and seed store, and lush gardens.

In addition, we also arrange trips for visitors who want to see some of Ecuador’s most stunning destinations. We can help schedule trips to attractions such as the El Chorro Waterfalls of Giron, Laguna de Busa, the Mountain of San Pablo, the markets of Giron and Santa Isabel, and the Complejo Arquelogico of Carachula above Santa Isabel.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips, Real Estate Tips by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Considered one of the world’s top retirement destinations, Cuenca boasts a scenic charm and a very welcoming atmosphere with its picturesque cobblestone streets and elegant mansions. As Ecuador’s third largest city, Cuenca is home to roughly 350,000 residents along with over 4,000 expats. The city is extremely walkable and has an abundance of tourist-friendly destinations such as the Parque Abdon Calderon, where expats often gather for conversations over coffee or drinks. Cuenca offers the best of both worlds, with its old world charm enhanced by modern conveniences including 18 state-of-the-art hospitals and four major universities that attract students from all over the world.

The real estate market in Cuenca

Cuenca’s real estate market has experienced stabilization recently, after several years of steady appreciation. This can be attributed to the events after the recession of 2008, when a significant number of Ecuadorians returned home after working abroad, mostly in countries like the US and Spain. This caused a housing boom throughout most of Ecuador, especially in larger urban districts such as Cuenca, Quito, and Guayaquil.

Real estate prices in Cuenca are a bargain compared to prices in North America. New expats in Ecuador often use their real estate purchase (which should have a tax assessed value of $25,000 in order to qualify) to obtain their residence visa.

Foreigners also get the benefit of having the same rights to real estate as locals. The purchase process is also pretty straightforward, and can be less tedious compared to buying a home in other countries. When considering a purchase however, be aware that mortgages are not always available, thus, you may need to settle the full purchase price to complete a transaction.

Examples of homes for sale in Cuenca

Here are a few examples of available homes you can purchase in Cuenca:

• A well-designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse and office with over 1,600 square feet of space. Features include a private patio, parking, and 24-hour gated security. Price: $117,500.
• A fully furnished 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo unit with sweeping city views of Cuenca. The unit is equipped with a spacious kitchen, large closets, and a laundry area. Price: $68,000.
• A stylish 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom condo with approximately 1,300 square feet of living space. The property includes a spacious kitchen with granite countertops, an oversized private terrace, built-in closets, and lovely views of the Yanuncay river. The unit is conveniently located close to shopping venues, supermarkets, and El Centro. Price: $139,000.
• A furnished studio unit with panoramic views of the Tomebamba river, and is close to shopping districts and commuter bus lines. The unit comes with a stove, a water heater, and a refrigerator. Price: $45,000.
• A comfortable 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse with 1,500 square feet of space. The unit is equipped with a modern kitchen, spacious bedrooms, and a small garden perfect for al fresco dining. The townhouse is a short distance away from public transportation, and is less than 15 minutes away from the city amenities and attractions. Price: $75,500.

Real Estate, Cuenca Ecuador – Ecuador Real Estate for Sale

For more helpful information on Cuenca’s real estate market, see www.livethelifeinecuador.com/category/estate-sales/cuenca/

 

 

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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You haven’t experienced Ecuador if you don’t visit the immensely beautiful mountain landscapes of El Cajas National Park.

This soothing refuge about 20 miles from Cuenca, is a perfect sanctuary for body and soul.

All you need do is flag down a bus that takes you from Cuenca to El Cajas in an hour or so at the highly-affordable price of $2 per person.

This gateway to all things natural and breathtaking is guaranteed to take your worldly cares away and refresh your spirit.

High on the tundra

The best way to experience this one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure is by taking a guided tour that costs only$100 per person. The tour usually takes four hours, three of them devoted to hiking. Be prepared for pleasant surprises, as weather conditions may vary and extend the time you spend admiring this must-see place 12,000 feet above sea level.

Captivating views await you at every turn, so have your camera ready.

Waterproof clothing and boots are also essential, as the weather can change any time.

First aid supplies and the ever-present park rangers assure your safety throughout the tour.

And since all that waking and hiking will make you hungry, the tour includes a delicious meal for free in a cozy restaurant nearby.

Those who want to spend the night gazing at the shimmering sea of stars can always do so because El Cajas also offers overnight tours at $250 per person.

It does get chilly, so be sure to pack layers and layers of extra clothes and a blanket to keep you warm. The jaw-dropping view of the sunset through El Cajas’ valleys, however, will warm your spirits until the light of day kisses you awake.

You’ll even get a chance to see the Inca ruins.

You don’t want to miss this experience of a lifetime, do you?

Searching for more adventures in Ecuador? Head on over to our Services Page and find out more about other exciting things you can do in this exciting country.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Things to Do by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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The conquering Incas ruled what is now known as Ecuador from around 1450 to the 1500s and exerted a great deal of influence in shaping the country’s culture.

However, even before the Incas came, Ecuador had already nurtured a rich civilization that left an equally indelible mark in the country’s history.

Ecuador before the Incas

The Valdivia

The Valdivia was the first permanent culture in Ecuador. It was believed to have existed between 3500 and 1800 BC, and was formed by people who migrated west from Brazil.

Pottery was an important part of Valdivia culture. It is believed that the pieces began as simple, functional clay objects. Decorative work appeared in later examples, until the practice evolved into sculpture produced around the feminine figure of “Venus of Valdivia.”

The Venus of Valdivia figurines depict pregnant and birthing women with prominent breasts and genitalia. The figurines are believed to have been used for fertility rituals.

The Chorrera

Chorrera culture is considered the most influential group in Ecuador’s “Formative Period” (4000 to 300 BC). It spanned the Pacific lowlands to the Andean highlands and even southern Colombia.

Pottery was also the trademark of Chorrera culture. It included utilitarian and artistic pieces characterized by a highlypolished finish and life-like depictions of plants, animals, buildings, fruits, and humans. While the earlier Machalilla culture appears to have greatly influenced Chorrera pottery, new forms– such as the whistle bottle – originated from this culture.

Chorrera and Machalilla cultures practiced skull deformation, which involved elongating and flattening the head for social status.

Other cultures

Around 600 BC, cultures that included the Bahia, Guangala, La Tolita, and Panzaleo developed hierarchal societies ruled by shamans and long-distance traders.

The Panzaleo is said to be the first culture to practice head shrinking or “tzantza” for ritual or trade purposes.

More cultures were integrated into early Ecuadorian society, including the Mantenos, the Caras, the Puruha, the Quitus (from which the present-day city of Quito was named),and the Cañari, who occupied present-day Cuenca.

The Incas eventually conquered the strongest cultures of the time: the Quitu-Caras, the Puruhá and the Cañari.

Modern indigenous groups in Ecuador are descendants of these early cultures and are stalwarts of Ecuadorian identity.

Know more about Ecuador by following our blog.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Whether you visit Ecuador as a tourist, a worker, or to seek permanent residency, knowing the location of your embassy or consul is not only useful but important.

Embassies and foreign consuls in Ecuador are located in the capital Quito or in Guayaquil.

Here are the locations and contact details of some of the foreign embassies and consulates in Ecuador:

The United States

• In Quito:
  Ave. Avigiras E12-170 y Ave. Eloy Alfaro
  Tel: + 593 2 398-5000/ Fax: + 593 2 398-5100
  Email: contacto.usembuio@state.gov
  Visit the website

• In Guayaquil
  Calle Santa Ana y Av. Jose Rodriguez Bonin, Sector San Eduardo
  Tel: + 593 4 371-7000/Fax: +593 2325-286
  Email: acsguayaquil@state.gov

Canada

• In Quito
  Av. Amazonas N37-29 and Union Nacional de Periodistas, Eurocenter Building, 3rd Floor
  Tel: +593 25245-5499/ Fax: +593 2 227-7672
  Visit the website

• In Guayaquil
  Avenida Francisco de Orellana, Number 234, Blue Towers Building, 6th Floor, Office 602
  Tel: + 593 4 263-1109 Ext: 101

Great Britain

• In Quito
  Av. Naciones Unidas and República del Salvador
  Citiplaza Building, 12 and 14th Floors
  Tel:+ 593 2 2970-800
  Visit the website

• In Guayaquil
  General Córdova 623 yPadre Solano
  Tel: +593 4 256-0400 / 256-3850,ext. 318
  Fax: +593 4 256-2641

France

• In Quito
  Leonidas Plaza 107 y Patria.
  Tel: +593 2 294-3800 / Fax: +593 2 294-3849
  Email: chancellerie.quito@france.com
  Visit the website

• Consulate: Diego de Almagro
  1550 and Pradera, Edificio Kingman, 2nd Floor
  Tel: +593 2254-3110, +593 2256-9883 Fax: +593 2250-6468

Germany

• In Quito
  Edificio Citiplaza, Avenida Naciones Unidas
  Tel: +593 2 297-0821 / +593 2297-2820 / Fax: +593 2 297-0815
  Email: info@quito.diplo.de
  Visit the website

• In Guayaquil
  Av. Las Monjas # 10 and Av. Carlos Julio Arosemena.
  Tel: +593 2206-867 / +593 22206-867 / +593 2220-6869.
  Email: consuladoaleman@investamaer.com.ec

Italy

• In Quito
  Calle Isla and Humberto Albornoz.
  Tel: +593 23211-322/ Fax: +593 23210-818
  Email: archivio.quito@esteri.it
  Visit the website

• In Guayaquil
  Peicasa 423 entre Cordova y Baquerizo Moreno 1120.
  Tel:+593 4 256-8358 / Fax: +593 4 256-8447

Spain

• In Quito
  Calle Francisco Salazar E12-73
  Tel: +593 2 322-6296 / Fax: +593 2 322-7805
  Email: emb.quito@mae.es

• In Guayaquil
  Tungurahua St cor. Velez
  Tel: +593 4 601-7460 / Fax: +593 4 2365-844
  Email: cog.guayaquil@maec.es

Switzerland

• In Quito
  Juan Pablo Sanz 120 and Av. Amazonas
  Xerox Building, 2nd Floor
  Tel: +593 2243-4949/ Fax: +593 2 244-9314
  Visit the website

• In Guayaquil
  Tel: +593 4 2681-900 / Fax: +593 4 2681-997
  Email: consulsuiza@easynet.net.ec

Your embassy can help you in situations related to:

• Health emergencies
• Legal emergencies
• Death
• Missing persons

The embassy also provides non-emergent services such as:

• Absentee voting
• Selective Service registration
• Transfer of government benefits (e.g., Social Security)
• Acquisition and loss of citizenship
• Providing tax forms
• Notarizing documents

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Real Estate Tips by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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2016 looms as another good year for Ecuador’s real estate market.

That’s because this country in South America is again on the list of International Living Magazine’s “Best Places to Retire.”

Ecuador placed second to Panama, which scored 93.5 points, or a mere 1.1 points away from the Latin American country’s 92.4 rating.

An extraordinary place to live

The numbers, so International Living Magazine says, is much more accurate this year, because it is based on a more comprehensive study.

Researchers didn’t just rely on graphs and digits. They also caught up with more expatriates and got them to share their experiences about living in Ecuador.

Ecuador scored high in 10 categories, including Buying and Renting, Benefits and Discounts, and Climate, where it earned the most number of points .

Top two cities

The capital city of Quito, laidback Cuenca and the town of Cotacachi are considered among Ecuador’s best places to live in.

Captivating beachfront homes and affordable agricultural lands are easy to find.

The country teems with beautiful places and smiling people ready to help you in any way they can.

Scenic

Where else can you find scenic mountains with snow-capped peaks, beaches, jungles, and diverse islands all in one charmingly compact area?

Some of the most breathtaking nature spots are just a leisurely walk away from wherever you happen to be.

Sunny weather ideal for outdoor sports, simply limbering up, and other healthy activities are a source of joy the whole year round.

Those who go for affordable living have many reasons to choose Ecuador. Budget-friendly beautiful homes with scenic views greet you at every turn.

Now’s the best time cash in on Ecuador’s booming real estate market.

To get you started, explore this site and see a wide array of prime property listings as well as guides and materials..

Estates in the following destinations will win your heart:

• Cuenca

Ecuador’s cultural heart and soul is rich in architectural wonders, beautiful churches and colonial style piazzas. Modern amenities make this city an amazing blend of tradition and innovation.
Housing options include:

✔Condo units with a spectacular city and mountain views

✔3-story homes

✔Garden homes in a gated community

✔Spacious single-family homes on prime riverside lots

Check out more real estate in Cuenca.

• Yunguilla Valley

Ecuador’s elite live in this paradise filled with sculpted landscapes and other for natural wonders. No wonder outstanding restaurants and entertainment, quality water, power and telephone facilities and a highway are found here. Don’t let its powerful residents and modern amenities deceive you, though. Homes in this peaceful place are easy on the pocket.
Real estate options include:

✔Vacation homes and estates

✔3-bedroom single family homes with acreage

✔Land with irrigation

Check out more real estate in Yunguilla Valley.

• Lentag

This little town, with its lush open areas and magnificent mountain slopes, is best known for its bucolic appeal. Residents enjoy peace and quiet in this haven, where stress is unknown and the living is easy.
Real estate options include:

✔Vacation homes and estates

✔3-bedroom single family homes with acreage

✔Land with irrigation

Check out more real estate in Lentag:

Pack your bags now and check out these wonderful places to stay in.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Real Estate Tips by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Get out of the comfort zone of your place in Ecuador and experience the outside world.

By bus

One of the cheapest ways of getting around Ecuador is to take the local bus, which also offers you a slice of local life.

Larger cities like Quito offer an extensive bus service that will take you to your desired destination. In Quito, for example, the “trolebus,” a trolley-like bus that runs on separate tracks, will take you around the city. Other types of buses in Ecuador include the busetas (22-seater and the fastest choice) and the autobus, its more comfortable and air-conditioned sister. For long distance travel, take the autobus de lujoor luxury bus, which leaves regularly, day and night. Just don’t forget to book your ticket before your trip.

By train

In contrast to Ecuador’s extensive bus services, train travel in the country is very limited. The most functional train that you can take is from Quito to El Boliche, but if you’re feeling adventurous, take the route called the “Devil’s Nose,” which will take you from Riobamba to Sibambe. You can also take the train and travel in the northern highlands via the Ibarra to Primer Paso route.

Although train travel in Ecuador is limited, train rides in this tropical paradise are a real treat.

By taxi

In most Ecuadorian towns, you’ll find yellow taxis that will take you to your desired destination. Most of these cabs operate on a fixed-fare system, though, while Quito has metered taxis. Fare usually costs around $1 – not bad, but don’t be afraid to haggle especially if you’re traveling longer distances.

By air

If you want to avoid Ecuador’s serpentine road network, take an airplane – it’s quick, convenient, and rather inexpensive. Up above on a clear day, you can enjoy unobstructed views of volcanoes and rainforests. Domestic carriers in the country include Icaro, VIP, Aerogal, and TAME. Meanwhile, local charters and small-scale companies operate on the coast and in the Oriente region.

If you want to know more about transportation in Ecuador, even to the roads less travelled, check out this great article by Rough Guides.

If you ever need assistance in travelling around Ecuador, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@livethelifeinecuador.com. We provide airport transfers as well as auto purchases. See you in paradise!

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Travel by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Ecuador is fast becoming known for its booming medicinal tourism, and for good reason. Here, you can avail quality health care for a fraction of the price you pay back in the United States.

High-quality and low cost

Whether you’re in the big city of Quito or Cuenca, or in a small village somewhere in the Yunguilla Valley, Ecuador ha a collection of clean and modern medical facilities that offer quality health care. Staff are well-trained and most of the doctors received education from the United States and Europe’s medical centers.

Expect the medical practitioners in the country to be well-trained. Some doctors in Ecuador even received training from renowned American and European medical centers.

A visit to a general practitioner can cost somewhere around $25 and $30, while a visit to a specialist can cost around $30-$40. As for ambulatory procedures, no need to shell out extra cash as such services are inexpensive.

Pharmacists in Ecuador are fully qualified to give away medical advice for minor ailments for free. As for generic medicine, such kinds in Ecuador cost much less than in the United States. No need for a prescription as most of the medications that require such paperwork in the U.S. can easily be bought over the counter in Ecuador.

Notable hospitals in Ecuador

• Hospital Alcivar in Guayaquil – Known as the oldest continual hospital in Ecuador, Hospital Alcivar originated as a small clinic and developed into one of the country’s most modern and largest medical facilities.
• Hospital Metropolitano de Ecuador in Quito – Inarguably the most famous hospital in Ecuador, Hospital Metropolitano was founded in 1985 and is considered the most technologically and procedurally advanced medical facility in the country. People flock to Hospital Metropolitano as it is most known for performing difficult types of surgeries. It enjoys a collaborative relationship with American institutions like Mount Sinai Hospital and Mayo Clinic.
• Hospital Universitario del Rio in Cuenca – the newest medical facility in Cuenca, Universitario del Rio offers state-of-the-art technology and attentive care. It was opened in 2009 and is fast becoming one of the most respected teaching hospitals in the international medical community.

There is still so much more to discuss about health care in Ecuador. For additional reading, you can check out our blog posts about medicinal tourism in the country here and here.

If you have any questions, email me at info@livethelifeinecuador.com. Once again, see you in paradise!

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips, Health by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Ecuador is one of the most environmentally diverse countries in the entire world, making it a very desirable location for agriculture. The country’s rich and varied soil combined with the humid tropical climate creates excellent conditions which allow a wide range of tropical fruit, cacao, coffee, and other unique crops to thrive.

LIVETHELIFE offers agrotourism travel plans that allow you to experience and discover Ecuador’s rich agriculture. These tours will take you to from the lowland coastal plains to the Andean highlands, allowing you to travel off-grid, stay on a farm, and learn more about Ecuadorian culture like never before.

Here are a few of the locations you’ll get to explore on an agriculture tour:

Guayllabamba Valley

Located around one hour north of Quito, Guayllabamba Valley is known for its abundance of fruit trees that bear fruits such as avocados and chirimoyas. Tourists can also visit the area’s many bromelia plantations and organic farms.

Cotopaxi

Lake Quilotoa and the Zumbahua highlands are fertile areas where crops such as broad beans, barley, and potatoes are cultivated and harvested. In addition to getting a closer look at farm life, tourists can also see the unique native art created by the indigenous communities.

Bolivar

The village of Salinas is popular for producing local products that include chocolate, cheese, dry mushrooms, body oil, and natural essences. Learn first-hand how these products are harvested, all while savoring the town’s panoramic mountain views.

Chimborazo Province

This area gives tourists the chance to see alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas in their natural habitat. Visit the Jambikiwa Foundation and observe how the local community grows and harvests medicinal plants, or tour the many countryside plantations around the city of Riobamba.

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If you’d like to join an agriculture tour of Ecuador, LIVETTHELIFE will be more than happy to assist you. Get in touch with Torrin Brauch at 239-848-5876 (US) or 097-994-7640 (Ecuador). You can also send him an email at torrin@livethelifeinecuador.com

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Food, Ecuador Real Estate Blog by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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